Bending machine



April 27, 1948. H. E. COLWELL BENDING MACHINE Fi 1ed Jufie 16, 1944 5Sheets-Sheet 2 April 27,1948.

H. E. CO LWELL SENDING MAcHtnE Filed June 16, 1944 i 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INV EN TOR. fiAHHYfl UULWELL Patented Apr. 27, 1948 BENDING MACHINE HarryE. Colwell, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to The A P Parts Corporation, Toledo,Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 16, 1944, Serial No.540,660

12' Claims. 1 t

This invention relates to bending machine and apparatus and moreespecially to apparatus for performing work upon or configurating metalarticles.

Th invention contemplates the provision of a machine especially adaptedfor performing successive operations upon work and particularly forimpressing bends or predetermined configurations into the work. 1

An object of the invention resides in the provision of a machine toolembodying means for selectively impressing a plurality of configurationsin work wherein each successive configuration may be of a differentcontour.

Another object of the invention embraces a machine of this characterwhich is semi-automatic in its operation and embodying automatic meansfor indexing or successively positioning a plurality of tools intooperative relationship for performing successive operations upon thework,

Another object is the provision of a hydraulically actuated,electrically controlled apparatus embodying a plurality of bending diesfor impressing bends in rods, tubing shafting or the like whereinsuccessive bends in each piece of work are of different configuration.

Still another object is the provision of apparatus including asupporting head associated with a reciprocating ram and which is adaptedto be equipped with a plurality of tools or dies, the head beingarranged to be progressively moved to predetermined positions forsuccessively bringing the tools or dies into position to perform bendingoperations upon the work and arranged whereby the dies are positioned topermit free movement of the work adjacentv the bent portions without thesame impinging upon parts of the apparatus.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the relatedelements of the structure, to various details of construction and tocombinations of parts, elements per se, and to economics of manufactureand numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration ofthe specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may bepreferred, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of the apparatlls particularlyillustrating in semi-diagrammatic form the hydraulic system utilized inactuating component elements of the mechanism;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on.the line 9-9of Figure 5;

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the lineIll-I0 of figure 4; Figure 11 is a detail sectional view taken on theline I |--H of Figure 4;

1 Figure 12 is adetail sectional view taken substantially on the linel2--l 2 of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the lineI3-l 3 of Figure 4;

Figure 14 is fragmentary sectional view showing one position of the worksupporting means at the completion of a bending operation in which ashallow bend is impressed in the work;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing the position of thework and supporting means therefor at the completion of a bending operation in which a bending die of diiferent configuration is utilized;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuits and controldevices for initiating and controlling movement of component elements ofthe mechanism;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken substantially onthe line l1--l1 of Figure 6;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary detail sectionalview taken substantially onthe line 18-48 of Figure 6. v

While I have illustrated the apparatus of my invention as particularlyadapted for performing bending operations on thin Wall tubing of acharacter utilized especially for tail or exhaust pipes in an exhaustsystem of an internal come bustion engine, it is to be understood Icontemplate the use of the principles of my invention for performingwork operations wherever the same may be found to have utility.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the apparatus is inclusive of aframe structure In formed with two spaced vertically arranged plates l2and I3 joined together by transversely extending members I4, l5, l6, l1,l8 and a subvby means of bolts 23.

stantially rectangular plate l9, all of said members and plate beingwelded to the uprights l2 and 13. The plate is of the top portion of theframe supports a cylinder 2 I the latter being provided with a headportion 22 secured to the plate Slidably mounted within the cylinder 21is apiston 25 to which is secured a rod 26, the latter beingthreadedinto a ram or member "2? locked in adjusted relation thereto bymeans of a nut 28.

Secured to the opposing interior walls of the frame plates l2 and i3 arethe bars or stripsill and 3|, disposed in pairs and arranged in verticalparallel relationship forming guides or =yvays for flanged rollers $5,the latter being -journaled for rotation upon end portions of a shaft 36supported adjacent the lower exlzrlmlitifi z letss 31 forming componentparts of the ram Z1. Positioned above shaft 3b is a second shaft 39carried by plates 3?, and ijournaled upon the end portions of shaft :35}.are flanged strollers M) 'Mlhih engage and are adapted toztravel along:bars or guides dl, as shown tiwEigure 6. -nlso;sedured"to the innerwalls of the frame plates 11.2 and :lzSzare vertically disposed :bars e31 adapted .tozformguilies for flanged rollers t4ijournalediuponaendiportions of shaft M5, the latter alsoibeing carried:by the spaced plates: 3l'as showniniEignreu'Z. :Byzmeans of the' bars'or traksiallfi l 143 and'flangedrollers 35, 40 and' fiii, the ram ormember 21 andele-v merits carried thereby -are arranged if or relativemovement in=a vertical direction under theinfiue ence of fluidpressure'ex-erted against the :piston 25, in a manner tofbe hereinafterdescribed.

A horizontally extending plate portion 148 of the ram 2 1 -is-welded orotherwlse'secured tower tically disposed pl tes or members 49 and 59,the latter having aligned openings accommodatingbearings orbushings 5iand 52 in which-is journaled a shaft or arbor 53, a portion of the shaft53 projecting forwardly of the plate 49 and sup por ing a rnemberEi asshownin Figured l he nember'fifiissnugly-fitted upon-the shaft 53, beingheld in place by means -of a key'56 and a washerfi-l gsecure d'tothe-shaft by meansofa bolt 58, The shaft '53 and member 55 form a toolsupportingmeans or holder and'which is-arranged for'rotative'movement-relative tothe ram 2-1 for a purpose to "be hereinafter explained.

I have illustrated the embodiment of the invention as especially adapted"for making successive bends of the same or different contour inthin-walled tubing, the work performing implemerits or bending dies forsuch purpose "being carried by t e to l sup iinam b 'fi hi an n r o di fntly confisura o s o dies may be carried upon the tool or die holder, Ihave sh wma arran ement r m untin three end g to ls o di i x and 62.;chha a working face of different contour. The periphcry of thetoolsupport fii'iisgenerally. of hexagna shape, thre .o the fi seis thre f h ving o es :or ways to muslmcmmmodete tape '5 carried br achnitric diesfe properly p t nng th m in t ho der. The a te na e m etsdiseased between the d e nga ing fac ts are adapted to receive platesr615, the extremities of which enga e lablll' mel'llls rormed-on the dfor s y clamping and retainin the-latte 9.1 the supportiii, Theplateslifi are retainedinpQSition by meansofscrews 61. 7

it :should be :noted that in the Embodiment illnstrated, the central,axes of the three .dies are adia y g ia ly sr eed'iie- 1 0ariart Th-present invention is inclusive of means for indexing or shifting thetool or die supporting means to move the dies successively intooperative position to :arerthreaded into members 82 and 83, the latterbeing bored to receive bearing bushings l8 adapteolto iit onfjcurnal pinE i, members 82 and 83 and-their bearings being retained in properrelationby-a disc-orwasher 81} secured by means at 1 t ine-J The rearplate 50 forming a component of the ram "21 extends upwardly as shown inFigure 5 and is provided with laterally extending arms 84 and 1&5 \towhich i are welded the rearwardly :rrojecting members B5 and -81. :Eachof members 315 and 81 {is formed withan opening to'accommodate thethreaded tenons 83 of members 85, thelatter laeingrsecured in place byflock nutsso.

:Rod 3E5 extends-a stuffing gland formed on :a head at and :is cured to'a pi t n slida r dise posediinra ,cylinderfifi. The, rear endof-the-cylin der is closed by means of a plate 96 formed with a:hiiurcated projection oi, the r a ns rand memberyflt beingboredto'receive a pinfiil, which forms '2 pivotal support (jg;- the cylinder.95. Similarly the rod l?! extends ithrcugh a head -i up into a cylinderlili, a' pistoniis insaidoyl-inder beingzsecuredztoithesend'ofrcd la-l.The :rearend of the cylinder is closed :by :a plate Hi2 having :a

bifurcated projection -=li3 of the sari reconfigurati'on fELS ':projection 18.! and ,is pivotally connected to :member :89 by means-of apivotpin AM. "An abutment M5 is associated with the vertically disposedplate so forms stop means engagfiable with =surfaces Hit and 101 :of;arm FH' when :the arm flsi, shaft ,53 and bending die holder :55 :aremoved'under the influence of fluid pressure act,-

ing on the pistons in cylinders and HM :in 'a manner to be hereinafterexplained.

The machine frame Fl d is "formed with-forwardly extending portionswhich are joined together "by transversely extending members '15 and Hi.The upper faces of members 15 and i8 are formed with tongues Hi3Whichifit into-grooves 'formedlin the {lower faces of members H2 .whichare .se.- cured to members 15 and Iii by means of screws H3. The'bars ormembers H2 are provided at their upperporticns with longitudinallyextending slots N4 of T'shapein cross sectionas shown iri'Figure '6. Theupper surfaces of bars 112 are formed with transverse serrations. Thebars ll; form a support for members M6, the latter also having serratedlower surfaces m-ating'with the serrated faces of bars N2, theserrations serving't position members fl'i 6 in adjusted position.Members H6 are :provided with projections iii slidably fitting therestricted throats of "slots i i-d and are securely held in adjustedposition by means of bolts we. The members H6 have upwardly andlaterally extending integral :bosses r26 which are bored and threaded toreceive pintles or shafts lZl. Positioned between membersl iiiareU-shaped chairs Qrbolsters I23, each bolster being pivotallysupported by a pair of shafts lil mounted in-members H 8. Each of thebolsters 423 is formed with a centrally arranged recess adapted 'toreceive and support a die or work support I24 secured in position bymeans of screws I25. The adjacent portions of the bolsters I23 areformed with threaded openings to receive pins I21 upon which arerevolubly journaled rollers I28.

Positioned adjacent frame plates I2 and I3 are plates E and I3I whichare each formed with vertically arranged flanges I32. The inner surfacesof plates I39, I3I and the flanges I32 form ways or tracks for guiding ahead I slidably engageable therewth. Plates I30 and I3I are providedwith threaded openings to receive bolts I35, the latter being threadedinto bushings I31. The exterior surfaces of bushings I31 are threadedinto openings in frame plates I2 and I3. By adjusting the bolts I33 andthreaded bushings I31, the relative position of guide plates I35 and I3Imay be varied to obtain the proper sliding fit for the head I35.

The upper portions of the head I35 are provided with hardened steel barsI38 which are engaged by rollers I28. The head I35 is formed with acentral web portion I39, having a threaded opening to receive thethreaded extremity I40 of a piston rod I4 I, and locked together bymeans of a nut I42. The rod I4I extends into a cylinder I44 and isconnected to a piston I46 disposed therein. The cylinder I44 is securedto a member I45, the latter being mounted upon a plate 20 forming thebase of the machine. A pipe I59 is connected to the cylinder beneath thepiston and admits fluid to the'cylinder for hydraulically supporting thehead I35 which is adapted to be moved downwardly during bendingoperations.

Particular reference is made to Figure 1 illustrating the hydraulicsystem for causing the functioning of various movements of the mechanismof my invention. Positioned adjacent the apparatus is a reservoir ortank I50 adapted to contain a supply of oil or other suitable actuatingfluid, Mounted upon a cover I 5| of the reservoir I50 is a pair of fluidpumps I53 and I54 preferably of the rotary type and of different sizesor capacities, pump I53 being of the lesser capacity. The pump I53 isprovided with an inlet pipe I55 extending into the reservoir, the lowerend of pipe being equipped with a filter or strainer I55. The pump I53is provided with an exit or outlet I51 and is connected to a sequencevalve I58, the latter being connected by a tube I59 to the lower end ofthe cylinder I44 and a return connection I60 leading into the reservoirI 50. The sequence valve I58 is of the spring loaded type wherebyexcessive pressure in the cylinder I 44 permits fluid to be returnedfrom cylinder I55 to the reservoir I50 through the return pipe I60.

The pump I55 is provided with an inlet pipe I62 extending into thereservoir I50, the lower end of the pipe being fitted with a filter I63.The outlet pipe I-64of the pump is connected to a sequence valve I55provided with a fluid return pipe I6! leading into reservoir I50. Thesequence valve I I55 is connected to a T-shaped fitting I61 by means ofa connection I68, a pipe I69 leading from fitting 151 to an electricallycontrolled, solenoid actuated valve means contained within housing I10.The valve means in housing I10 is connected to the upper and lowerportions of the cylinder 2| by means of pipes HI and I12, for thetransmission of fluid pressure alternately through said pipes to causevertical reciprocatory movement of the piston or ram 25 contained withinthe cylinder 2I. A pipe I13 is connected to the valve means in housingI10 through which fluid may be returned to the reservoir I50. A

branch pipe I19 isin communication with pipe I13 and a pressure reliefvalve interposed in pipe I12 to relieve the fluid pressure beneath thepiston 25 when it has reached its uppermost position. Connected to thefitting I61 is a pipe iI11 for conveying fluid pressure from the pumpI54 to an electrically controlled, solenoid actuated valve meanscontained within each of casings I18 and I13 mounted upon a platformprovided at the upper extremity of the frame I0, the pipe I 11 dividinginto branches I and IBI leading to the valve means. Valve means incasing I18 is connected by a tube I82 to the upper end of cylinder IIIIwhile tube I83 connects the valve means with the lower portion ofcylinder IOI, the tubes I92 and I33 being flexible to accommodatemovement of the cylinder IOI during indexing operations.

The valve means contained within casing I19 is connected to the upperend of cylinder 95 by means are flexible tube I85 and to the lower endofsaid cylinder by means of the flexible tube I81.

The valve means contained within the casings 18 and I19 are connectedtogether by means of tubes I89, a T-shaped fitting I being interposedbetween the tubes I89 which is connected by means of a pipe I 9| to afour way fitting or cross I 92 connected to a return pipe I63 extendinginto the reservoir I50.

The control arrangement of my invention involves intercalation ofelectrical and mechanical devices for accomplishing the indexing andwork performing functions of the apparatus in which the operator, bymanual or foot actuated means initiates the cycle of operations. Securedto the frame plate I3 of the machine or press are the brackets 200, 20Iand 202 which are bored with aligned openings adapted to receive avertically positioned shaft or member 203 arranged for relative rotarymovement, and for slidable movement in a direction parallel with themovement of member 21. The upper end of the shaft or rod 203 is threadedto receive a disc 204, the same being adjustable on the rod and adaptedto be locked in adjusted position by means of nuts 295 and 206.Positioned between the bracket 20I and nut 296 is an expansive coilspring .201 surrounding the rod 203. Disposed upon the rod 203 betweenbrackets 2M and 202 are three similarly shaped members 268, 209 and 2I0arranged one above the. other. Each of these members is formed with anenlarged disc-like portion or cam plate 2 I I, 2I2, and 2I3respectively, each portion being formed to support a plurality ofradially projecting lug or cams 2I5 which are adapted to actuatesnapswitches designated 2H3, 2I1 and 2 I8, the switches being provided witharms 2I9 arranged in the loci of the cams carried by discs 21], 2I2 and2I3. Expansive coil springs 221 are interposed between the disc-likeportions of members 20B, 209,and 2! to absorb any lost motion betweensaid members and to maintain them in proper relationship.

' Positioned uponand fixed to the shaft 203 beneathLtheibracket 202 is adisc 222 having a plurality of radially disposed openings adapted toreceive stop members or lugs 223, the number depending upon the numberof work operations or bends to be per formed on or impressed in the workto complete a cycle of operations. Pivotally supported upon-a pintle 225carried by bracket 202 is a pawl 224 which is arranged for cooperationwith the stop 'members 223 on the disc 222 for successively positioningthe control shaft 203 after thecompletion of each bending operation.

Fixedly secured upon the lower portion of the shaft .263 is 'disc225having a plurality of radiallmspaced-threaded openings arrangedinparallelism with the shaft 203, these opening-s receiving a series ofabutments or bolts 22'! providing adjustable means for limiting thedownward movement of the ram and bending dies or tools carried therebyso as to predetermine the depth of each bend :or limit the travel of thetool :ior successive work performing operations. The bolts 22,! areadapted tobe locked in ad- J'usted position by means ofnuts 228.

' Secured by means'of. screws 229"to the vertically reciproca'ble ram 21 is a laterally extending bracket or member 239. The member isprovided-with'aihorizontaly disposedrecess in which is eslidably fitteda carriage 2232, a horizontally disposed toothed member or rack .233being secured to the carriage. The carriage-232 supports at its outerend a pin or shaft 234 upon which is fiournaled a roller 235. Securedto'the frame of the machine is a pair of angularly shaped bars or strips236 as "shown in Figure 4 arranged in spaced relation forming guidesurfacesor ways to accommodate the roller 235 and control thehorizontalmovement of the carriage 232 and rack The bracket "230 isprovided with an opening through which the shaft 203 extends, thebracket alsmhaving an arcuate recess to accommodate a spurrgear 2-33journalecl for'rotation on shaft- 203 and in mesh with the teeth in therack :233. Mounted upon shaft 203 above the gear 238 is a disc-likemember 240 provided with the threaded member 2 .forming a key extendinginto :a *keyway 242 :formed in theshaft 203, the member. 260 beingloosely :fitted on shaft so as to beslidable there along and rotatablewith the shaft through the medium of the key 241. Also iournaled uponshaft 223 adjacent :member 240 is a ratchet wheel V253, and pivotallysupported on pins 2 carried bymember 240 is a rpair of diametricallydisposed, spring pressed pawls or ratchets 245 adapted for cooperationwith ratchet wheel 243 providing a one wayor overrunning clutch meansfor causing rotationof shaft 203 in one direction-only for purposes tobe hereinafter explained. Positioned between gear 238 and ratchet wheel2 43 isa spacing-collar 24-1 andsurrounding the collar 24! is a coilspring 248 having itsupper and lower ends connected respecti-velyto theratchet wheel 243 and the gear 238. The bracket 230 is provided with adependingpin or abutment 250 which is adapted to successively engage theabutment screws carried by member 225 secured to the shaft upon downwardmovementof the bracket23fl. The longitudinal movement of the rank 232 ateach downwardmovement of the ram 21 caused by the-angularity of ways 2%cooperating with the roller235 slightly exceeds the circumference ofshaft 2113, and

therefore could effect a complete rotation of the shaft if desirable,although in actual operation, the shaft rotates through .successiveradial distances, each .-less than a complete revolution.

The electrical vapparatus and control .for the hydraulic means isillustrated diagrammatically in Figure 16, and switch means shown onother figures of the drawings. The operator of the machine initiateseach work or bending operation by depressing a foot treadle .252 carriedby abox253 housing-a switch 25 illustrated in fi ure I 6, The switch 254.-is connected .-in alcircuit with aswitch 255, the latter being asafetyswitch for the purpose of preventing operation of the hydraulicmechanism until 0118 01 the bending dies :islin :proper workingposition. Theanechanism associated with the :switch 255 .is illustratedinzFigure 1'7 and includes a link 256, connected one end to the switcharm 2'51 and ithe othernnd connected to'one arm-ofabell crank 2.58pivotally supported upon zaprojeotion 259 iormed'upon the ram 121. Theextremity of the other arm of the be1l-.crank;-258 carries aroller 260arranged to cooperate with recesses -26] "formed in-a-collar 252 securedto the die holder supporting shaft When roller 250 engages in one :ofthe recesses 26 l, the switch :255 is in closed circuit position and oneof the .tools or dies is -;in proper work performing position. Underthese conditions, the actuation oi'th'e .treadleoperatednwitch :255willinitiateoperation of solenoid @264 tor-actuating the valve meanscontained within :housing I10 to control flow of fluid to the cylinderrl.

Solenoid mechanism 266, 266'. and 261, 25'! contained in housings I18and 119 actuate the valves :for controlling fluid how :to thedi'eindexing cylinderse5 and-t0 I. V

Securedon theshaft'53 is a sleeve or collar e210, the ends of the sleevebeing formed for cooperation with rollers 2H and 21-2 carried "on switcharms 21 3 and 214 :forming :parts of "switches 2:15

and 276. The portions :of collar 210 acooperating the rollers 2H :and2112' are so configurated that both switches are in closed'position'only in the position 'shown'in Figure '18. In this :positionof shaft 53, the die =60 :is in :work performing position, and theindexing mechanism aim :the :position-shown in Figure *5. ln-theeventthat the'die Ellis not moved into its :proper work performing positionunder the influence of the hydraulic means, switches 2-l5or 2-15 performithefunction of "actuating the hydraulic means, until *the -die .89 isin a centralposition. This is accomplished when rollers 2H and 21.2 rest:in aligned positions .as:shoWn:-in-Fh'gu1-'e .18.

:It is 1-0 be understood that the apparatus of I my-.-invention.issusceptibleof use in performing work operations of varying characterand I have illustrated the arrangement wherein 'three :bending dies ofdifferent contour may be sequentially employed to 'make one -or morebends per each die, the number of individual bending operations inacycle of the machine being determined by the ;-number of stops or lugs2-23 carried by the disc 2-22, The stops .223 are made removable so thatthe machine may be utilized for attaining varying members of workperforming or bending operations in a cycle. In describing the operationof the machine, a .threeoperational cycle will be explained, i. e. onebending operation for each of the bending dies 60, 6| and 62.

.In the first instance,la motor (not shown) connected to shaft 452 isenergized to drive theiluid pumps I53 and E54. These pumps aresupplied.-

with oil or *othersuitable fluid from the reservoir I50 :bymeans of theinlet pipes l 55 and 462'. operator then places aslength of thin walledpipe or tubing W upon the work supporting dies J24 carried by thepivotally mounted cradles 423. The operator then depresses the treadle12-52, closing the master switch 2515. Assuming that the bending die 6!is in a working position as illustrated in Eigure 3 and is to beutilized to produce the first bend in the tube W, the roller 2B0 carriedby bell crank 25%? (see Figure 17) is received .in one of the recesses.25! in collar 2&2 which condition positions switch 255 so that anelectric circuit is completed throughswitches 254 and 2.55 to energizethe solenoid .264 and actuate valve mechanism in housing ill] to connectthe fluid feed pipe I69 with the pipe I H to convey oil under pressurefrom pump I54 to the cylinder 2| above the piston 25. The fluid.pressureacting on piston 25 drives the same downwardly together with the ram 21and the dies and support. The die 69 engages the tube W causing downwardpressure on the tube, and as a bend is formed therein, the fluidpressure in cylinder I44 beneath the piston I46, set up through themedium of pump I53 being less. than that in tube Ill, is overcome andthe parts associated with the worksupport move downwardly to theposition illustrated in Figure 14. The ram 21, die 62 and associatedparts move downwardly until the pin 25!! contacts one of the screws. 221in alignment therewith, which engagement moves the shaft 203 and partscarried thereby downwardly causing the lower surface of .disc 224 intoengagement with arm 2I4 adapted to close the switch 220 contained withinhousing 224 secured to the machine frame.

housing I16 disconnecting fluid pressure to the pipe HI and connectingthe fluid pressure to the pipe I12 to convey oil to cylinder 2| beneaththe piston 25 to cause the latter and parts carried thereby to moveupwardly. 'When the solenoid 264' actuates the valve means, it connectsthe pipe I1I with the return pipe I13 to .permit the oil above thepiston 25 to return to the reservoir I55) through tube IE6. As the shaft263 was moved downwardly by engagement of pin 258 with one of theabutment screws 221, the lug 223, in engagement with pawl 226 is movedout of contact therewith. During downward movement of shaft 253, theroller 235, guided by ways 236, moves the rack 233 horizontally,rotating gear 233 and unwinding coil spring 248. Movement of the spring248 is not then communicated to shaft 223 by reason of the lockingaction of pawls 245 in engagement with the ratchet wheel 243. During theupward movement of ram 21, the roller 235, under the influence of ways236, retracts rack 233 and permits counter clockwise rotation of gear238 (as viewed in Figure winding up the spring 248, the tension actinggradually to rotate the shaft 263 until the next succeeding lug 223engages pawl 226 to re-position the shaft. The shaft 203 is moved to itsinitial uppermost position under the influence of spring 201 at theinitial upward movement of the ram 21 so that a lug 223 will be inposition to engagethe pawl 226 when the shaft is rotated. Duringrotation. of shaft 203, a, projection or cam 22I' on disc 2II engagesthe lever 2I6 on switch 2I6 to complete a circuit to solenoid 265 toactuate hydraulic valve means in housing I19 causing oil to flow underpressure through feed lines I11, I8I and I81 into the lower end ofcylinder 95 to force the piston upwardly, thus rotating shaft 53 and dieholder 55 to bring the die 6I into operative position, the pipe I86communicating with a fluid return line I82, so. that oileabove thepiston in cylinder 95 is returned to the reservoir I50. The operatormoves the work W along thework supporting dies I24 into position toeffect the secondbend in the work by means of the bending die 6|.Treadle 252 is again depressed to actuate switch 254 and through switch255, which has been reset by engagement'ofroller 260 (see Figure 17)engaging inanotherof the recesses 26I in, collar 262, to energizesolenoid 264,:actuating the hydraulic controlvalves in housingflfldirecting fluid above piston 25- in cylinder 2| and causing downward Theclosing of switch 220 ener-' gizes solenoid 264' actuating valve meansinmovement of the ram 21. This movement brings the die BI intoengagement with the work, forming a bend therein as illustrated inFigure 15. Downward movement of the ram 21 brings the pin 258 intoengagement with another abutment 221 adjusted toeffect the proper depthof bend to be made in the work. Shaft 203 is again molded downwardlyuntil switch 220 in housing 224 is actuated by disc 204 to reverse theflow of oil into the cylinder 2| resulting in return movement of the ram21. The shaft 263 and associated mechanism repeat the cycle ofoperations as above set forth in connection with the bending operationaccomplished by die 60. On this cycle, however, a projection on cam disc2I3 actuates switch 2H3, energizing solenoid 261 controlling valves soas to direct oil into cylinder I 2| so as to'rotate shaft 53 bringingdie 62 in operative position to perform a bending operation. After thework is re-positioned for the third bend, the

treadle 252 is depressed and the ram 21 moved downwardly through theelectrically controlled hydraulic valves in the manner above explained.

During the completion of the third. cycle of operations, the projectionon disc 2I2 actuates switch 2I'I energizing a solenoid 265 controlling avalve so that fluid pressure acts on the piston in cylinder IUI to bringdie 69 approximately to central position as in Figure 3. The switches215 and 216 are intercalated so as to alternately actuate the solenoidscontrolling the valves until equal fluid pressure above the pistons inthemdexing cylinders and IilI, thus retaining the die 69 in centralposition by equalized pressure in said cylinders.

It should be noted that an unloader or pressure relief valve I15 isinterposed in the pipe I12 leading to the lower end of cylinder 2 I sothat an excess of fluid pressure is prevented from building up beneaththe piston which might damage the machine, the Valve I15 permitting oilto. return to the reservoir I50.

It is to be understood that while I have shown and described a form ofthe invention for making three successive bends of different radii, anumber or series of bends of each type may be made by merely employingthe required. number of stops 223 and the required number of projectionson cam discs 2! I, U2 and 2E3 coupled with their proper adjustment forproper sequence of operations of the electrically controlled, solenoidactuated fiuid regulating valves.

By the utilization of the apparatus of my invention wherein the bendingdies are positioned in front of the ram, many bends of Variantangularity and depth may be made in a piece of work without portions ofthe work striking parts of the machine.

I claim:

1. Apparatus of the character disclosed comprising in combination aframe; a member arranged. for reciprocatory movement associated withsaid frame; hydraulic means for reciprocating said member; an arborsupported upon said member and adapted for movement relative thereto; aplurality of work performing tools carried by said arbor; electricallyactuated means for indexing said arbor to selectively move said toolsinto work performing position; a work supporting means associated withsaid frame; and hydraulic cushioning means for said work supportingmeans whereby the latter is adapted to be moved under the influence ofone of said tools engaging the work. 2

2. Apparatus of the character disclosed comensures prising; incombination a, frame; a verticallyv res ciprocable member associated:with said frame; a plurality of ways associated with said. frame; aplurality of rollers journaledonsaidnmemberand arranged for movement.along said ways; bydraulic means ..:tor-reciprocating said member; anarbor revolubly supported uponsaid member; a plurality of bending: diescarried; by said arbor; electrically actuated means for rotatingsaidarbor to selectively move said dies-into work per-forming position; andan hydraulically cushioned. work supporting means associatedwithsaidirameand adapted for cooperating. with said bending dies duringbending operations.v

3-; Apparatus of; the character disclosed.- com.- prising incombinationa frame; a vertically re;- ip focable member associated; with saidframe;a. plurality of ways associated with. said .frame;. a plurality ofrollersjournaled on saidmember. and arranged for movement along. saidways; hydraulic means. for reciprocating; said member :1 an arborrevolubly supported uponssaidmember; a plurality of. bendingdiescarried. by said-arbor; electrically actuated means.- forrotating,said arbor'to selectivelymove said'into work performing position; a worksupporting means mounted on-said frame, and hydraulic cushioningmeansassociated with said work supporting means whereby the. latter-maybe moved-under the. inflllel Ceflf one of. said. dies engaging the work.

4.. Apparatus of: the; character disclosed in .com binationa. frame; a.member reciprocably mounted onsaid frame; hydraulic; means; forreciprocating said member; electricallyenergized means; for controllinsaidhydrauiic means; an arbor mounted upon said member and: arranged forrotary movement independently; thereof; a plurality of bending, dies;mountedupon. said arbor; hydraulically. actuated. means. for. movingsaid. arbor to selectively: move; said dies into operative position;and. electrically energized means for controlling. said-hydraulic; meansfor reciprocating said member and. rotating said arbor;

5.. Apparatus. of the character. disclosed in combination, a frame; arammounted'upon: said frame; hydraulic means for reciprocating-said ram; anarbor; journaled on said-ram and-' arranged for revoluble movementrelative tosaid'. ram; electrically energized, means forcontrolling saidram actuating hydrauliomeans; aiplurality of 'WOIk performing, elementsassociated with said arbor; hydraulic means. forrotating saide arbor toselectively move said workperforming elements into operative position,and electricallyenergizedmeans; seta intonation by movement of said ramfor initiating the operation of said arbor-rotating hydraulic means.

6; Apparatus of the character disclosed in combinationa frame having-aplurality of vertically. arranged ways; areciprocable member; aplurality of rollers journaled on said' member and engageableWith-.said-ways tor'g-uid-i-ng: said reciprocable member; hydraulicmeans for reciproeating said.- member; electricallyenergized means: forcontrolling said hydraulic means; an arbor mounted upon said. memberandarranged for. rotary movement independently thereof? a plurality ofbendingdi'es associated with-said; arbor hydraulically actuated. meansfonlnotating said arbor to;selectively move said diesinto opera-e tiveposition; electrically energized: I means. for controlling saidhydraulic means-yaworlnsupporting means associated With said-frame; and

hydraulic cushioning meansfor normally maine taming said-aworksupporting: meansin. workasupporting position. i

'7; Apparatus oi the. character disclosed in combination, airame; a1ram.mounted thereon; acylinder carried on-saidfra-me; apiston irrsaidcylinder connected to said ram; means-ion ire jecting fluid. underpressure into said cylinder for causing reciprocation of saidramandpiston; a member supportedon said. ram and arranged for movementrelative to said ram; work'performing elements associated with said;member: a cylinder mounted uponsaidram;v apistomin saidalast mentionedcylinder; arodiconneeting saidlast. mentioned. piston with: said member;and; means for inj ecting fluid under pressureinto said last mentionedcylinder to. cause movement oft-said member relative to. said ramto'shiitthe positions of said work performing elements: and means forcontrolling the. flow of fluidtobotli saidcylinders.

8. A bending machine of the character closed, incombination,v a.framo'haVing-amlumi? ity' of vertically arranged ways; a reciprocablemember; a. plurality. of rollers'iournaled' on said member. andengageable with said" ways for: guid ing; said reciprocable member;hydraulic-means for reciprocatingsaid'. member; a: horizontally disposedarbor journaledupon said member and arranged for rotary:movementrindependently or said member; a die: holder fixed-tosaidiiarbor and disposed laterally of: said reciprocable member; a.pluralityof bending diescarried'uponsaidi dsie holder; hydraulicallyactuatedimea-ns tor rotatiing; said arbor; to selectively-move. said?diesrihto operative. position; means. controlled by movee merit: ofsaid: reciprocablel memberfon initiating the: operationof the. hydraulicmeans for: rotate ing.v the arbor; arelativel y-movable work supporting,means: associated-with said frame; and hydraulic;cushioningmeansfonmaintainingmaid work, supporting: means: normallyin:work supporting; position.

9.. Apparatus or the. character disclosed-comprising incombination, a.frame; a-ram reciprocably-..supported"upon said frame; a die support--ing member: movable. withsaid and capable oiz independent rotarymovement; a: pliiral ity of bending; dies; carried by said member;hydrauiio means: for causing;- rotation: of said I die support-- ing-:member to. selectively move: said d-iest into worlnperforming. position;hydraulics means i or' reciprocating, said ram; and electrically:- enengized meansvfoncontrollingrtha operation orsbotir said hydraulic means.i

10.. In. a. tube bending machine, in 'combinati'om a frame. havingvertically disposed ways; aaramadapted. .to-trayerse said ways;hydraulic means tor reciprocatingssaid ram; anarbor journaled upon said.ram and revolvable about am'axis angularly disposed; to the. locus :ofreciprocation of; said ram; a pluralityof. tube bending-dies carried,-by said arbor electricallyactuated means for; rotating said arbor toselectivelybring-said bending dies. intowork.-performin'g :position; atube engaginghydraulically supported meansfas sociated' with said-frame;said 'tube engaging means being: arranged to move with the tube when a.bend is being formed in thetube by one ofisaid dies;

lln A; bending; machine comprising in; oombi s nation; aframe.formedfwith a plurality ofirwaysr a. ram reciprocable -along said ways;hydraulic means-foractuating -said -rame arrarbor j'our ;'naled upomsaid-ram and revolvableabout ani 13 axis disposed at an angle with respectto the path of movement of said ram; a plurality of tube bending diescarried by said arbor; a, control rod; means set into operation bymovement of said ram for actuating said rod; switching means tuated byrelative movement thereof for controlling the rotation of said arbor toselectively move said dies into tube bending position; a tube supportingmeans, and hydraulically cushioning means associated with said tubesupporting means.

12. A tube bending machine comprising in combination; a frame; aplurality of vertically disposed ways carried by the frame; a rammovable along said ways; an arbor disposed for revolvable movement aboutan axis substantially at right angles to the locus of movement of saidram; a plurality of tube bending dies carried by said arbor; a controlrod arranged for movement in an axis parallel with the movement of saidram; means associated with said ram for rotating said control rod; meansfor shifting said arbor to selectively move said dies into tube bendingposition; electric circuit closing devices as-- 5 associated with saidrod and arranged to be ac sociated with said control rod for initiatingand controlling the operating of said arbor shifting means, andhydraulic cushioning means adapted to support a tube during bendingoperations; said hydraulically supported means being adapted forrelative movement under the influence of pressure exerted by said ramduring bending operaftions.

HARRY E. COLWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 10,665 Towle Nov. 24, 1885395,723 Vanstone Jan. 8, 1889 526,526 Grannis Sept. 25, 1894 626,448Tennant June 6, 1899 694,783 Quint Mar. 4, 1902 1,420,875 Smith June 27,1922 1,460,219 Ziloccki June 26, 1923 2,289,957 Godfraiux July 14, 1942

